2021 Volkswagen Passat vs 2022 Nissan Maxima

2021 Volkswagen Passat
2021 Volkswagen Passat
$23,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Nissan Maxima
2022 Nissan Maxima
$37,840MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Passat
$23,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Nissan Maxima
$37,840MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$23,995

MSRP

$37,840

Average price

$18,745

Average price

$26,947

Listings

438

Listings

177
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

6.5 out of 10

Expert reviews

Pros
  • Great ride quality
  • Spacious
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Uninspired styling
  • Outdated technology
  • Uncomfortable seats

2021 Volkswagen Passat Reviews Summary

Despite its German branding, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat is an All-American midsize sedan. It was developed specifically for the United States market, and it’s built in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

In 2011, when the Americanized Passat was launched, VW thought the sedan was the key to dominating the U.S. market. Midsize sedans like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry were still the default choice for most buyers at that time, after all. A lot has changed since then—SUVs are surging in popularity, and a diesel-emissions scandal has forced VW to focus more on electric cars—but the Passat rolls on. With the flashier Arteon now in the lineup, however, the Passat has been repositioned as VW's value-focused midsize sedan.

The Passat got a significant update for the 2020 model year, so changes for 2021 are fairly limited. The previously-available Passat SEL trim level is gone, leaving just the base S, SE, and R-Line models. Adaptive cruise control is now standard across the board, and some trim levels get more standard equipment as well. Our test car was a mid-level SE model.

2022 Nissan Maxima Reviews Summary

No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 174 hp I4

Engine

3.5L 300 hp V6

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

174 hp @ 5200 rpm

Horsepower

300 hp @ 6400 rpm

MPG City

24

MPG City

20

MPG Highway

36

MPG Highway

30
2021 Volkswagen Passat
2021 Volkswagen Passat
$23,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Nissan Maxima
2022 Nissan Maxima
$37,840MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Passat
$23,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Nissan Maxima
$37,840MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$23,995
$37,840
Average price
$18,745
$26,947
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.5
4.4
Expert reviews

6.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Great ride quality
  • Spacious
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Uninspired styling
  • Outdated technology
  • Uncomfortable seats
Summary

Despite its German branding, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat is an All-American midsize sedan. It was developed specifically for the United States market, and it’s built in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

In 2011, when the Americanized Passat was launched, VW thought the sedan was the key to dominating the U.S. market. Midsize sedans like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry were still the default choice for most buyers at that time, after all. A lot has changed since then—SUVs are surging in popularity, and a diesel-emissions scandal has forced VW to focus more on electric cars—but the Passat rolls on. With the flashier Arteon now in the lineup, however, the Passat has been repositioned as VW's value-focused midsize sedan.

The Passat got a significant update for the 2020 model year, so changes for 2021 are fairly limited. The previously-available Passat SEL trim level is gone, leaving just the base S, SE, and R-Line models. Adaptive cruise control is now standard across the board, and some trim levels get more standard equipment as well. Our test car was a mid-level SE model.

Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.0L 174 hp I4
3.5L 300 hp V6
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
174 hp @ 5200 rpm
300 hp @ 6400 rpm
MPG City
24
20
MPG Highway
36
30
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